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 Entering USA - Telephonic Reporting

 

    U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
    Bureau of Customs and Border Protection


    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    March 25, 2003

    CONTACT: Press. Officer Cherise Miles

Phone: 312-983-9127 / 888-274-4294

CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION IN WASHINGTON STATE SUSPENDS TELEPHONIC REPORTING FOR PRIVATE BOATERS..

BELLINGHAM, WA. - The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection in Washington State has suspended all telephonic reporting procedures for pleasure vessels throughout the Puget Sound, WA. area. This change in procedure will continue for an undetermined period set to coincide with the current high threat level in the United States.

Private Boaters, returning from a foreign port or place including Canada, are
required to report immediately to a designated port of entry upon arrival in the United States. To receive the authorized reporting locations and hour of service for Puget Sound inspections, boaters may call the toll-free number 800-562-5943..Also, upon the first arrival in a calendar year, masters of private boats 30 - feet and longer must purchase a Customs user fee decal. Decals may be purchased for $25.00 at most Customs offices prior to a foreign voyage.

For further information call the port of entry at Bellingham, WA. at 360-734-5463 between the hours of 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (PST).

Security Clearance Zone - USA

    For those cruising US waters this summer, be aware that changes have been made to security separation zones. Now as well as having to stay away from military vessels, there is now a 100 yard security zone around any boat over 100 feet. Keep this in mind when approaching a Washington State Ferry. As usual, to breach the zone is a felony offence.

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